WA records 14 new local cases, schools set to reopen

A further 14 new local COVID cases have been recorded in Western Australia overnight, including two mystery cases of unknown origin.

During a press conference this morning, Premier Mark McGowan said the two cases not yet linked to a known COVID-19 source were further evidence that Omicron was lingering within the community.

Today's total includes a Bunbury-based family of six, as well as an unlinked case in the South West.

Mr McGowan warned the state’s best chance of stopping the spread was testing and vaccination and urged those feeling unwell or who have attended a potential exposure site to present for testing.

There are now two COVID-19 cases in Perth hospitals, including one in ICU.

WA Health has also recorded four new cases among returned travellers.

The COVID-19 update coincided with the unveiling of enhanced measures ahead of the school term, including proof of vaccination requirements for staff and regular visitors, enhanced cleaning services, and mask wearing.

Twelve-thousand air purifiers fitted with high-efficiency particulate air filters will be provided to schools state-wide, as well as 1,500 CO2 monitors.

Arrangements have also been made to temporarily replace teachers and staff required to isolate due to COVID-19, with more than 5,000 fully vaccinated casual teachers on standby.

Education Minister Sue Ellery said 97.5 per cent of teachers had uploaded their vaccine information ahead of their returning from leave this Thursday.

Mr McGowan also revealed that the state government would make exemptions for returning Western Australians with school-aged children, opening up the G2G application process for families tomorrow in order for children to quarantine and return to school as soon as possible.

The state’s first dose vaccination rate for those over the age of 12 now stands at 96.7 per cent, with 89.7 per cent now fully vaccinated.